Toyota relooking the launch of new models in India

Toyota is deeply miffed by the diesel ban in our country. The company is looking at rethinking about their launch plan of new models for the Indian market.

The National Green Tribunal Circuit Bench recently took a decision regarding the ban of diesel vehicles in Kochi. It directed the Kerala government not to register any diesel vehicles with engine capacity of 2,000cc and more. However, public transport and local authority vehicles were exempted from this.

First, it was just Delhi and NCR where the ban on diesel vehicles above 2,000cc was imposed and now it has extended to Kerala. Toyota thinks that these orders passed are "against principle of natural justice" and so will relook their operations in India.

Shekar Viswanathan, vice-chairman and director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said "We have already started relooking at our operations. What is hurting us is not so much the ban but the unfairness. Orders are passed without hearing us. It is going against the principles of natural justice. We feel our vehicles are being targeted."

Toyota is saddened by the fact that not all diesel vehicles, but only the ones above 2,000cc have been banned. The Innova and the Fortuner are highly successful models and both have engine options more than 2,000cc. It is natural that the carmaker is peeved as these vehicles cannot be registered in regions where this ban is imposed. Let's wait and watch how Toyota re-aligns its launch strategy, especially when the much-anticipated new Fortuner is due for the Indian market.